You’re excited about the new school year. You have the perfect schedule, but you look closer at the list of teachers and realize you’re in Mr. Hall’s class. Oh no! Everyone talks about how he’s an Atheist. Rumor has it that he talks about how faith is stupid and will lower your grade if you use Christian ideas in your homework. You’ve been around people who have a different religion or faith than you, but you’ve never been in a situation where someone with more power forces anti-Christian ideas upon you. How are you going to earn a good grade in this class without denying your Christian faith?
A person with power who has different beliefs than you can be intimidating, especially when that person is a teacher. A teacher is supposed to be guiding you through life, showing you how to live, think, act, etc. It can be challenging and disheartening having one who tries to prove to you that the teachings of Christ are false. They leave you feeling like you have no voice or control over your own beliefs.
What do you do? Do you fight the teacher? Do you go with the flow? First, before doing anything, it’s important to turn to God. After all, He’s the one who’s truly in control and is the conflict between you and the teacher.
Looking to God’s Word
John tells the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman in John 4:7-27. Jesus was resting by a well in the middle of the day when a Samaritan Woman came to draw water. Samaritans and Jews did not associate with each other. A Jewish man did not speak to a woman who was not his wife or a part of his family. But, when the woman arrived, Jesus asked her for a drink! The woman’s shocked. Jesus didn’t just ask her for water, he offered her “living water.” Samaritans and Jews didn’t have the same beliefs, so she was clueless as to what he was offering. She had heard of the Christ, so when she was able to fully embrace his kindness, she realized His true identity.
Through this passage, God shows how Christians should interact with non-believers: firm in Christ with compassion and respect. Jesus could have avoided the woman, which was customary. Instead, he treated her like a woman of his faith. Similarly, you should treat your teacher with decency and compassion. As an authority in your life, he deserves your respect. Jesus would show a non-believer his respect and you should do the same.
Honoring God, Respecting Your Teacher
Respecting your teacher has nothing to do with disregarding your faith. Corinthians 10:31-32 says “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God.” No matter what you’re doing – sitting in class, working on a homework assignment, a test or a group project – you must do it for God’s glory.
God’s authority is greater than your teacher’s. You should respect your teacher, but you must honor God. Your actions, words and deeds follow the teaching, power and majesty of God. While your teacher might not currently be a believer, God is in control of his life. It’s your responsibility to be a positive example, or a light, as explained in the Bible. This means you can reflect the character of Christ, standing up for what you believe and avoid being a stumbling block.
Standing Firm in Faith
Don’t change your homework to avoid the subject of Christ or Christian teachings. But, don’t go out of your way to add thoughts and ideas about faith either. Just do what seems natural. If you are docked points for your faith, then discuss it with your teacher, or another authority figure.
You don’t have to make a grand display to make a difference. It’s a teacher’s job to make sure that everyone is comfortable in a classroom environment. Perhaps you need to schedule a time to explain to your teacher that what he says makes you feel uncomfortable. Come prepared with examples, not prepared for a fight. Calmly state your claim and if your teacher gives you a hard time, you can inform him that you would like to speak to your parents or the principal about the matter. You aren’t trying to take the teacher down, just expressing how his approach hinders you from learning. Don’t ask to be excused from his class. This class is an incredible opportunity to learn from being challenged.
Someone talking negatively about your religion should make you feel uncomfortable because your faith is a pivotal element of who you are. But, if you don’t want to speak to your teacher about your uneasiness, talk to some of your Christian friends who are in your classes. See how they feel and obtain your support from them. Ask for insight from your parents of youth pastor. Constantly be in prayer and ask God what He wants you to do about the situation. Pray for the teacher as well, asking that you or another person would be a positive influence on his life. While your teacher is supposed to make a difference in your life, you’re capable of impacting him!
